Judy Garland Danny Kaye Helen Forrest

Description

Host Judy Garland welcomes troops with thanks and promises music and laughter. She sings a lively song. Lauritz Melchior performs "Vesti la giubba" and "Home on the Range," with Danny Kaye translating humorously into Russian. Helen Forrest sings a requested tune. A comedic opera sketch features Judy, Danny, and Melchior in a train reservation scenario. Garland ends by thanking the troops.

Judy Garland greets soldiers with gratitude and pledges to bring them songs and fun. She performs an upbeat number. Lauritz Melchior delivers "Vesti la giubba" and "Home on the Range," while Danny Kaye provides funny Russian translations. Helen Forrest sings a song the troops asked for. A funny opera bit shows Judy, Danny, and Melchior acting out a train booking scene. Garland closes by expressing thanks to the soldiers.

Command Performance was a radio program which originally aired between 1942 and 1949. The program was broadcast on the Armed Forces Radio Network (AFRS) and transmitted by shortwave to overseas troops — but with few exceptions, it was not broadcast over domestic U.S. radio stations.

Wikipedia. CC BY-SA 4.0. Updated May 11, 2026.